Ep 8. Backyard Tailgate
- January 24, 2009
Backyard Tailgate is the eighth episode in the third season of Down Home with the Neelys, an American cooking show featuring Pat and Gina Neely. In this episode, the couple demonstrates their favorite tailgating recipes and shares tips for hosting a successful outdoor party.
The show opens with Pat and Gina discussing their love for tailgating and how it has become a tradition for many football fans. They introduce their backyard setup, which includes a grill, picnic tables, and a mini-fridge stocked with beverages. They explain how they like to keep things simple and easy, so they can enjoy the game along with their guests.
The first recipe that the Neelys demonstrate is for their signature barbecue chicken wings. They show viewers how to make a basic barbecue sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, and then toss the wings in the sauce before grilling them to perfection. They also share a tip for keeping the wings crispy by coating them in baking powder before grilling.
Next up, the Neelys prepare a hearty chili that they say is perfect for cooler weather. They start by browning ground beef and onions in a Dutch oven, before adding canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. They also add a secret ingredient – a bottle of dark beer – which they claim gives the chili a rich, satisfying flavor. They let the chili simmer for a couple of hours, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. To serve, they top each bowl with grated cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
For those who love a good burger, Pat and Gina offer up their recipe for bacon cheeseburgers. They start with ground chuck and mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. They then form the meat into patties and grill them to their desired doneness. To make the burgers extra special, they top them with crispy bacon and slices of sharp cheddar cheese, and serve them on toasted buns with all the fixings.
To round out the meal, the Neelys whip up a batch of their creamy coleslaw. They start by shredding cabbage, carrots, and red onion in a food processor, before combining them in a bowl with mayo, sugar, vinegar, and celery seeds. They let the slaw sit in the fridge for a bit, to allow the flavors to meld together, before serving it alongside the other dishes.
Throughout the episode, the Neelys offer up tips for making tailgating easier, such as prepping ingredients ahead of time and using disposable plates and utensils. They also showcase their fun and festive rec room, which features a pool table, dart board, and vintage cooler. They note that, while they love tailgating at the stadium, they find that hosting their own backyard tailgate is a great way to entertain friends and family in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
In conclusion, Backyard Tailgate is a fun and informative episode that showcases the Neelys' love for tailgating and their knack for creating mouthwatering dishes. Whether viewers are seasoned tailgaters or novice hosts, they are sure to pick up some useful tips and delicious recipes from Pat and Gina.
